9 Healthy Reasons to Drink Beer

There may only be one National Beer Day (April 7), but don't let that keep you from celebrating this beverage year-round.

Think of all the reasons we ride for beer. There’s the obvious—after a hard ride, it tastes like the liquid equivalent of a high-five—and the less proven—it functions as a PED for previously untested dance moves. But those aren’t the only justifications for ending your group ride at the nearest craft brewery. Here's our list of nine completely defensible reasons to (responsibly) enjoy this treat.

Beer can help reduce your risk of heart disease.
According to Harvard University, more than 100 studies show an inverse association between moderate drinking and risk of heart attack or death from cardiovascular disease. Across all the studies, a 25- to 40-percent reduction in risk has been found.

Beer can lower your risk of Type 2 Diabetes.
In a meta-analysis of 15 studies on moderate alcohol consumption and Type 2 Diabetes risk, the American Diabetes Association found “a U-shaped relationship with a highly significant ∼30-percent reduced risk of type 2 diabetes in alcohol consumers of 6 to 48 g/day compared with heavier consumers or abstainers.” It’s important to note that a standard 12-ounce beer contains about 14 grams of alcohol—so drink responsibly if you want these health benefits.

Beer can increase your bone density.
Studies have found that beers—particularly darker, hoppier ales—have a high amount of silicon, which contributes to bone and connective-tissue health. The Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture reports that this suggests a moderate intake helps fight osteoporosis.

Beer can prevent Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
Drinking in moderation can actually help you stay at the top of your mental game. Researchers at Lanzhou University recently found that a compound found in beer hops, xanthohumol, can guard against oxidative stress and might fight the onset of dementia or cognitive decline.

Beer can reduce your cholesterol.
Good news: A study recently found that moderate beer consumption can increase HDL, or healthy cholesterol, even more markedly for women. The American Heart Association recommends you don’t get carried away, though, and recommends no more than one drink per day for women and one to two for men.

Beer can prevent kidney stones.
A toast to never finding out how miserable it feels to pass a kidney stone! Beer intake has been shown to have an inverse relationship with this painful ailment, with each bottle consumed per day estimated to reduce risk by 40 percent.

Beer can support bike advocacy.
Sometimes supporting breweries not only means supporting local business that can make a place more livable and rideable, but also directly supporting bikes. Plenty of beer brands, like New Belgium, Flying Bison Beer Co., and Squatters, support bike advocacy organizations and events for cyclists. Turns out beer and bikes just go well together.

Beer might be able to fight cancer.
Researchers in Germany discovered that the xanthohumol in beer hops—the same stuff that helps prevent dementia— can block excessive testosterone and estrogen and thus reduce the chance of prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women. They’re further studying xanthohumol for potential use as a cancer-fighting drug, but in the meantime you can get your dose from a nice IPA.

Beer is a great post-ride reward!
In the last 10 miles of a hard grind, it’s nice to have a post-ride beer to fantasize about for added cycling motivation. You can end your ride at the local brewery with your crew and enjoy the social lubrication and relaxation benefits beer can offer—or you can ride straight home and indulge in one of life’s supreme pleasures, the shower beer. Either way, nothing will taste better when you’re tired and sweaty.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Bicycling participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.